Foto

Watch: Vijay Shankar reacts after World Cup 2019 selection - Sports News

Vijay Shankar has been in good form with the bat in domestic and international cricket since last year ( Courtesy by BCCI ) HIGHLIGHTS Vijay Shankar was preferred over Ambati Rayudu in India's 15-man World Cup squad Shankar has scored 165 runs from 9 ODIs at an average of 33 in 2019 Apart from his ability with the bat, Shankar is also a handy medium fast bowler and a superb fielder India all-rounder Vijay Shankar was one of the first players to express his joy after being selected in the 15-man squad for the upcoming ICC World Cup in England and Wales.

The 28-year-old Tamil Nadu cricketer was picked ahead of the likes of Ambati Rayudu and Ajinkya Rahane as chairman of selectors MSK Prasad and BCCI acting secretary Amitabh Chaudhary made the announcement on Monday.

Vijay Shankar, who is currently plying his trade for Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Indian Premier League, said he felt really special to be chosen in the World Cup squad .

"Feels really good to be a part of the World Cup squad. This is my first call-up for the World Cup, it's really special for any cricketer. It is very special for me as well. Just forward to a wonderful tour," Vijay Shankar said in a video message posted by Sunrisers Hyderabad on Twitter.

. @vijayshankar260 's first World Cup call-up and it sure means a lot to him! #CWC19 #OrangeArmy #RiseWithUs #TeamIndia #MenInBlue #WorldCup2019 pic.twitter.com/OqouuMquqe

SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) April 15, 2019 Vijay Shankar has been in good form with the bat for India in the limited opportunities that he got in the one-day side scoring 165 runs from 9 matches at an average of 33 and a strike rate of over 96.

Apart from his ability with the bat, Shankar is also a handy medium fast bowler with a decent economy rate of 5.61. He is also a terrific fielder who can be stationed in the inner circle as well as the outfield in limited-overs cricket which is why he was picked over the 33-year-old Ambati Rayudu , who has been far from impressive with the bat this year for Team India.

The Hyderabad veteran made a strong comeback to the limited-overs Indian team in 2018. He amassed 392 runs, including a century and three fities, in just 10 innings at an impressive average of 56.00. However, in 2019, Rayudu has scored just 247 runs from 10 matches at a below-par average of 30.87.

#TeamIndia for @ICC #CWC19 #MenInBlue pic.twitter.com/rsz44vHpge

BCCI (@BCCI) April 15, 2019 Rayudu has been struggling to get going in IPL 2019 as well. The CSK batsman has scored just 138 runs from 8 matches at a paltry average of 19.71.

Shankar on the other hand, is a highly-rated cricketer who has come up the ranks quickly in domestic cricket and has forced his way into the Indian team thanks to his all-round capabilities.

Snapshot from the Selection Committee Meeting that took place at the BCCI Headquarters in Mumbai today. pic.twitter.com/AD893ctuBN

BCCI (@BCCI) April 15, 2019 In the 2018-19 Vijay Hazare Trophy, Shankar amassed 232 runs from 6 innings at an average of 46.40 while in the Ranji Trophy he made 218 runs in 6 innings at 43.60.

"After the Champions Trophy, we have tried a few middle order options. We gave a few more chances to Rayudu but what Vijay Shankar offers is three-dimensional. If the conditions are overcast, he might bowl a bit and he is a fantastic fielder. He is a batsman who can bowl.

"In the team, we have the luxury of 7 bowlers. We have covered all the bases and this is one of the most balanced Indian sides for the World Cup," chief selector MSK Prasad said after announcing the team on Monday.

Also Read | India team for 2019 World Cup named: Rayudu and Pant fail to make cut, Dinesh Karthik included Also Read | World Cup 2019 India team announced Highlights: KL Rahul, Dinesh Karthik in 15-man squad Also Read | India team for World Cup is well-balanced, we have covered all bases: MSK Prasad

Get real-time alerts and all the news on your phone with the all-new India Today app. Download from Post your comment